Cadillac Escalade Water Pump

How to Know If Your Cadillac Escalade Water Pump is Faulty

Out of the many problems that can happen to your car, water pump failure can be one of the worst. Basically, it's the one in charge of pumping the coolant and water to the engine so that it won't overheat. It can be a hassle if the Cadillac Escalade water pump becomes faulty, which is why here are some troubleshooting tips to help you diagnose if you should have it replaced already.

Broken bearing

The usual cause of a faulty water pump is a broken bearing on the pump shaft that has a leak. This can be seen seeping from the weep hole, which is located at the bottom of the water pump. You can also inspect the gasket that's found behind it. Take note that you won't be able to notice that the water pump is leaking once the engine is off, so you have to ensure that it is on before working on it.

Loose pump shaft

Oftentimes, the reason why the bearing gets worn out is because of a loose pump shaft. Locate it and grab the fan and start wobbling it. If it moves, then it's an indication that the shaft is broken. This must be replaced immediately to avoid damaging the water pump.

Signs of leak

This troubleshooting technique is a good way to know if your water pump is leaking. Have your Cadillac Escalade parked on a concrete surface, preferably inside your garage. Place a white or light-colored cardboard directly underneath the motor. When morning comes and you find out that the board is wet, then the water pump is indeed leaking.

Odd noises

If you hear any odd noises coming from under the hood, then there must be something wrong with the components. A low-pitched grinding sound indicates that the bearing is worn. Have this replaced immediately because it can affect the water pump.

Thermostat warning light is on

You can check the warning lights on your dashboard to find out if the parts under the hood are still okay. If the thermostat warning light turns on, then it's an indication that your vehicle is not getting enough coolant because the water pump is leaking.

Cadillac Escalade Water Pump Available Years

Doing Proper Upkeep on the Cadillac Escalade Water Pump 27 February 2013

Out of all the parts that could go wrong in your vehicle, the water pump should be the one that's supposed to be properly taken care of. If your car starts to overheat, then that's a sure sign that your pump's about to go south. However, there are some maintenance tips that you can follow to make the Cadillac Escalade water pump last longer than expected.

Tighten any loose parts.

It's inevitable for the water pump to leak, so you have to act immediately if it does. First, look for the pump. It's usually in front of the engine and behind the fan blade. It's essential that the engine's heated up, which is why you should switch it on when inspecting for leaks. The common cause of a leaking water pump is because of a worn bearing and seal. If these are damaged, then you should have them replaced right away. The gasket is also a culprit; if you discover that it's blown and soaked, have it changed as soon as possible. See to it that the bolts are tight as well. Remember that it's less costly to replace these tiny parts instead of changing the water pump itself.

Replace the leaking hose.

Inspect all the hoses that are near the water pump. Usually, when a hose is leaking, it could mean that the pump also has the same problem. If you discover any broken hose, have it replaced right away. This will surely save you a lot of money if you replace this rather than the water pump itself.

Seal the water pump.

Another reason why the water pump is leaking is because it's probably missing a seal. To prevent water from seeping out of the pump, you'd better make sure that it's sealed up. Regularly check on the water pump if its seal is broken because you'll definitely have to get a new one if it is. Be sure to let the engine cool down before working on it. Also, drain the oil and coolant from the engine. In fact, you can place these in two different pans so that you can reuse them later.